"I think he's always given us a sense that he values this kind of protest," one protester said.

He added, "the fact that he is standing by his values, shown through his resignation, is really so important to us."

"We have a lot of respect for him. He's an honourable man."

But another demonstrator explained that Dr Fraser's resignation may not be the most useful thing: "I feel like it would be better if he'd stayed there and given us some support. But we'll put up a tent for him, he's always welcome."

Dr Fraser joined St Paul's as canon chancellor in 2009 from his post at St Mary's church in Putney.

The process to appoint a successor is due to begin shortly, a cathedral spokesman said.